Visit Holgate Windmill

Holgate Windmill is a fantastic example of an 18^th century mill. If you’re looking for something fun to do when you next visit York, this is a must see!

This windmill is the UK’s oldest 5-sailed mill and it is still regularly producing traditional stone-ground flour. You get unique views of York Minster from the upper floors and the windmill often hosts special events for guests.

A brief history of Holgate Windmill

Holgate Windmill is York’s last surviving windmill. George Waud bought the land in 1768 and by 1770, the mill was fully operational, complete with a mill house for his family to live in. George, his son and his grandson ran the mill until 1851, when the family sold it to local gentleman, John Musham.

In 1855, the mill’s ownership transferred to Joseph Peart, who already owned a number of local mills. He was responsible for the mill’s refurbishment, adding a steam engine and raising the height of the mill to what we can see today.

The mill continued to operate until the early 1930s, when production stopped and the housing estate surrounding the mill began to grow. The windmill fell into disrepair until 2001, when the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society was founded. With dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors and a lot of hard work, the mill is now once again fully operational. It is open for visitors to explore, and you are able to buy the flour milled on site.

Visiting the windmill

Holgate Windmill’s dedicated team of volunteers welcome visitors to the mill every Saturday between 10am and 12 noon, with longer opening hours during the summer and autumn. Milling sessions occur on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

You can check the mill’s full opening hours on their website.

Please be aware that the mill has steep ladders for access between floors, so sensible clothing and footwear should be worn when visiting.

The ground floor of the mill has a shop stocked with flour made by the windmill as well as lots of lovely mill-themed goodies.

Support the mill

There are lots of ways you can support Holgate Windmill. All profits from your admission and any purchases in the shop go directly towards the mill’s upkeep. You can also become a member of the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society or offer a one off donation.

As the mill is managed entirely by volunteers, they are always looking for more people to join the team. You can learn all about the volunteering opportunities at Holgate Windmill on their website.

If you visit Holgate Windmill, be sure to share your pictures with us on Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter)!